Goa 123 updates: July 2010

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Goa Blog

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 07:51 AM PDT

If things go according to plan, the government will open outlets to sell fish at subsidized rates through the fishermen’s cooperative societies. The state horticulture corporation is distributing vegetables and some food items at subsidized prices under the government’s intervention scheme on price control all over the state.

“The PWD has already prepared the design for the construction of retail outlets at Malim fish landing centre and their estimates are being prepared,” the fisheries department informed the ad hoc panel on agriculture and forests.

While the outlet at Malim is likely to become operational by end of this year, the process has been initiated to set up another at Cutbona. The panel headed by MLA Laxmikant Parsekar recommended that these outlets be thrown up at the earliest in a bid to bring down prices of sea food.

The panel also suggested that the government look for ways to prevent large-scale export of fish. As sea food is diverted to the hotel lobbies from the landing centres, government should also initiate efforts to ensure its supply to meet other requirements as well. Even distribution of fish may help in bringing down prices of fish, which is a vital protein rich food, the panel said.In its reply, the government explained that fish is not included in the list of essential commodities and its price cannot be controlled. The rise in fish prices is largely due to inflation, demand and supply situation and needs of tourist population. Modern technologies are being adopted to increase the fish catch.

Courtesy: TOI

Friday, July 30, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa State dams flowing to full capacity
Goa to frame new mining policy
841 cases of damage by wild Elephants in Goa till date

Goa State dams flowing to full capacity

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 09:03 AM PDT

Incessant rains, which the state witnessed recently, have lead to the Selaulim dam overflowing after crossing the 41.150-metre mark. However, there is no threat of floods to the residents living in the vicinity. An official in the water resources department said that the dam is overflowing as there are no gates to release the water in river. Hence, the water flows and regulates itself.

The official further stated that the Panchwadi dam too has started overflowing since July 19 after crossing the 26-metre mark. He said that the Anjunem dam has touched the 86.97-metre mark, its capacity being 93.20 metres. Similarly, the Chapoli dam has touched 35.41 metres and its capacity is 38.75 metres.

The Amthane dam is also approaching its full capacity as the water level has touched 47.85 metres as against its full capacity of 50.05 metres, stated the official. He further said that at the start of monsoon, rainfall was deficient but picked up as monsoon progressed and the dams and minor irrigation projects in the state are nearing full capacity.

The official also said that the water resource department is closely monitoring the situation and that the water levels are being checked. Meanwhile, the official informed that the department is in the process of bringing the Selaulim dam under the Goa dam monitoring project through Global Positioning System. He said that the process has already been initiated and the dam will shortly come under the new system, which will allow the department to closely monitor water levels in the dam, canals and help carry out other analysis.

He further said that gradually the department will also get other dams and irrigation projects under the Goa dam monitoring project which will not only help the department in monitoring the water levels from a central server but will also help in the management of the water resources.

The Goa dam monitoring project was first implemented at the Anjunem dam and it has yielded good results, said the official. He further stated that the department has been able to closely monitor the water levels at the dam more effectively as the system transmits data every 30 minutes.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Goa to frame new mining policy

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:24 AM PDT

Faced with increasing civic protests against rampant mining in the state, the Goa government is considering framing a new mining policy. In a written reply in the assembly, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Friday also said his government is processing more than 600 applications for prospecting licences.

“The application for grant of prospecting licences have been received by the department (mining) which are under scrutiny and process,” said Kamat, who also holds the mine portfolio, in reply to a query by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Damodar Naik. Among those who have applied for prospecting licences are Dempo Corporation and Sesa Industries, both owned by Vendanta Resources, Sociedade Fomento Industries and Nationalist Congress party (NCP) National Secretary Jeetendra Deshprabhu.

The union ministry for environment and forests (MoEF) has imposed a moratorium on mining proposals until a “comprehensive environmental impact assessment of all mining activities” in the state is conducted. Kamat had recently said the state government was considering 246 applications for new mining leases in Goa, in addition to the 100-odd existing iron and manganese ore mines which dot the state’s hinterland.

Villages in close vicinity of these mining areas have for often served as virtual battlegrounds for mining companies and anti-mining activists, with the latter claiming that open cast mining is causing ecological havoc in the region by denuding forests and upsetting the ground water levels due to haphazard drilling for ore.

Leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar has repeatedly alleged that Kamat and several of his cabinet colleagues were sheltering illegal mining operations, which the former chief minister said accounted for nearly 18 per cent of the total ore exports. Nearly 40 million tonnes of ore are extracted and exported annually from the state.

Courtesy: hindustantimes

841 cases of damage by wild Elephants in Goa till date

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:09 AM PDT

Union Minister of Forest and Environment informed Mr Shantaram Naik M.P. in a written reply to his his question that as reported by Forest Department of Goa, 841 cases of damages by the wild elephants have taken place during 2005-06 to 2009-10 including death of 2 human beings. He said most of the incidences have been reported from villages in the

North Goa Forest Division like Ibrampur, Khutwal, Hassapur, Halarna, Talarna, Torxem, Revora etc. The estimated value of the loss of the crops in the damages has been to the tune of Rs.51.5 Lakhs. No Annual Plan Operation has been received from Government of Goa for seeking financial assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant to prevent the menace, Minister said.

A Coordination Committee consisting of representatives of Forest Departments of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa has been constituted to take coordinated action to tackle the menace. The Committee meets as and when required and decides the course of action to be taken including early warning system to the neighboring States, Minister informed.

Giving countrywide statistics, Minister said Ministry has received report of 1767 human deaths by wild elephants during the period 2005-06 to 2009-10. It has also received report of 1,12,439 cases of crop damages during the same period.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Goa Blog

Special anti-Maoist cell needed: Goa assembly panel

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 08:39 AM PDT

Almost two months after a leader of an Orissa-based fringe Maoist group was arrested in Goa, a legislative panel has recommended setting up of a special cell to keep tab on Maoist activities in the state.

The ad hoc committee on home, chaired by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, also said that police needed to keep tabs on activities of labourers and immigrants, employed in the state's burgeoning mining and tourism sectors. "The committee recommends that the police department create a special cell to keep track of movement of workers and immigrants from areas known to be Naxalite (Maoist) infested," Parrikar, a former chief minister said. The committee report was tabled in the assembly Thursday.

Shambhu Beck, leader of the Maowadi Trishul Manch (MTM) was arrested in May this year, while he was hiding in Goa. Beck, 25, was wanted in Goa for crimes ranging from kidnapping, dacoity, arson and robbery.

Courtesy: thaindian

Voting rights for Indian Citizens living abroad soon

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 07:17 AM PDT

Union Minister of Overseas Indian informed Mr Shantaram Naik M.P. in the Rajya Sabha today that The proposal relating to legislate to confer voting rights to citizens of India who have not acquired citizenship of any other country and are living abroad owing to employment, education or otherwise is under the active consideration of the Government of India.

Minister further informed Mr Naik that It is proposed that such citizens could register their names in the electoral rolls in the constituency of the place shown in their passport, and vote when they are present at the time polls are held.

In reply to another question Shri Ravi told Mr Naik that The Overseas Employment Agency of Goa has been granted a Registration Certificate under Section 11 of the Emigration Act, 1983 to commence or carry on the business of recruitment for deployment of Indian workers with foreign employers. Overseas Employment Agency of Goa is a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1960 and is funded by the Government of Goa, Minister said.

The aims and objectives of the agency/society are to deal with Overseas Employment Policy of the Government with the help of various Agencies, to collect information regarding employment opportunities in foreign countries with the help of Government of India and Indian Missions abroad; to disseminate information to the interested job seekers in Goa and help them in securing jobs in foreign counties;

One of the objective of the association is also to tap the technological, managerial and financial resources of Non-Resident Indians of Goan origin for upgrading the technical and professional skills and the human resources, for the economic and industrial development of the State, Minister informed Mr Naik.

There are 9 (nine) other state owned bodies, which have also been issued Registration Certificates under Section 11 of Emigration Act, 1983 for overseas employment, Minister further informed Mr Naik.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa national games may not be held next year: Kamat

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 07:06 AM PDT

Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat today said that national games 2011 alloted to the state may not be held next year. “National games which were scheduled to be held in 2007 in Jharkhand are yet to be held. After that the games allotted to Kerala in 2009 will be held. Only after that Goa will host the games,” Kamat told the state Legislative Assembly.

Responding to queries by Opposition benches on preparedness of the infrastructure to host the national event, Kamat said that there is enough time at disposal to have the infrastructure in place. “Jharkhand has already put up its infrastructure for the games,” he said. Opposition benches today expressed its reservation over the funds available to have the infrastructure in place. Kamat said that for the first time ever, Planning Commission has allotted funds for the national games. “Planning commission will give 75 per cent in the form of grants while 25 per cent will be in the form of loan,” he said.

Courtesy: IBN Live

I will raise the issue of injustice meted out to me: Former Goa Tourism Minister

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 06:43 AM PDT

Former Goa tourism minister Mickey Pacheco who has been granted bail in the Nadia Torrado death case, on Wednesday said he will raise the issue of “injustice” meted out to him by the state police, in the ongoing session of the Legislative Assembly. ”Certainly I will raise the issue of injustice meted out to me by Goa police, in the State Legislative Assembly,” Pacheco told reporters outside the Assembly complex here.

Pacheco said that the bail granted to him by a local court was a slap on the face of the police.

The ex-minister attended the assembly session on Wednesday for the first time after his name figured in the death of his 28-year-old woman friend. He said the bail granted to him by a local court on July 26 was a slap on the face of the police, and claimed that he will come out clean in this case.

To a question about his role in the House, he said, “You will have to wait and see what I do.” The 46-year-old NCP legislator has sought time from Speaker Pratapsingh Rane to speak on the floor of the House.

Courtesy: indianexpress

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Goa Blog

Rethink on sea link project: panel

Posted: 27 Jul 2010 08:55 AM PDT

The Dona Paula-Vasco sea link project would be a white elephant for the state of Goa, a legislative panel has said in its report. The Adhoc Committee on Finance, which is chaired by Calangute legislator Agnelo Fernandes, in its report submitted to the Assembly today, has asked the government to rethink on the project. "The committee is of the opinion that the project would be a white elephant on the economy of the state," the report stated urging the state to rethink on project.

The committee felt that such mindless project having provision of Rs 100 crores in the year 2009-10, has resulted in blocking of funds for no reasons which could have been put to use for other developmental activities.
"The committee is also of the opinion that the sea link project may not benefit for small state like Goa. The committee therefore recommends the government to avoid such huge unnecessary provisions in budget estimates in future," the report says.

Courtesy: Herald

Goa: Towards an eco-friendly festival

Posted: 27 Jul 2010 05:56 AM PDT

Celebrations bring people together, breaking barriers of caste, creed and religion. On these auspicious days, the religious fraternity comes together and celebrate the festival as one big family. As the grand festival of Hindus, Ganesh Chaturthi nears one will see many Hindu families busy gearing up for it. The celebrations extend beyond families as the festival takes on proportions of a community get together by the holding of the 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav'.

As the season of this festival approaches, shops in the market see an increase in the number of its customers who come to buy various accessories and essential items related to the occasion. The season has already begun with people booking idols. Despite, the ban on the PoP idols by the state government the supply of these non-biodegradable idols continues to flourish. To add to the problem, these idols are painted with chemicals which are toxic. While expressing resentment towards the sale of PoP idols, an eco-friendly customer says, "Worshipping Ganesh idols actually signifies worshipping our Mother Earth and so it is symbolic to use clay or mud to make the idol. After this idol is immersed it gets becomes one with the Earth and causes no harm to the ecology. Therefore, it is vital to worship an idol made up of pure clay instead of any other non-biodegradable product."

A source from the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd (GHRSSISC) says, "In Goa no makes PoP idols, in fact, these idols are mostly imported from nearby states." GHRSSISC, to discourage the sale of PoP and increase the production of locally made clay idols, has implemented a scheme that provides huge subsidies to local idol makers. The scheme is intended to motivate idol makers so as to encourage this traditional art form. Many local artisans earn their livelihood through this art form, which has been passed on from one generation to the other.

As per this scheme, idols made of clay will get a subsidy of up to Rs 100 per idol provided the size of the idol has a minimum height of one foot.
As per the scheme, artisans have to submit an undertaking that the idols have been made by them and not imported from outside the state. This will be the third year since the scheme has been implemented.
However, there is a bit of a problem faced in installing huge Ganesh idols made of clay for Sarvajanik Ganeshotsavs. The president the Panaji Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mr Suraj Naik opined, "The PoP idols do not dissolve in water and so clay idols are used. But huge idols made of mud tend to crack as they remain in moist conditions for the entire eleven days."

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa to set up vocational training units

Posted: 25 Jul 2010 02:49 AM PDT

In a bid to up Goa’s literacy rate from 82% (2001 census) to 100% by 2011, the state government will provide grants under a revised scheme for literacy and vocational training for adults. The state will set up literacy and vocational centres where adult illiterates aged 20 years and above will acquire skills of writing, reading, speaking and the use of numbers from one to 100. They will also be trained in a vocation.

The centres will cater to a minimum of 20 learners and will operate an-hour-and-a-half classes four times a week as per the learners’ convenience. The literacy classes will also feature topics on health, education, science, environment, etc.

A total grant of Rs 60,000 will be given in three installments to the implementing agency for each course of six months duration and a token installment of Rs 20,000 will be released after the issue of sanction order by the directorate of education.

Courtesy: TOI

New Rupee Symbol of Indian - How to use in Computers?

Posted: 25 Jul 2010 02:05 AM PDT

Download The Rupee Font

Install/save to “fonts” folder of your PC : Location : C:/Windows/Fonts

Open your word processor and select the “Rupee_forindian.

Just select “Rupee” font from the drop down list of your fonts in your application and press the key just above your tab button. It will display the new rupee symbol of India. Try it.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa GMC threatened?
Goa: Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrated with traditional fervour
Goa NSUI anti-drug campaigner attacked
Goa’s floating casinos dumping sewage into river: Panel

Goa GMC threatened?

Posted: 24 Jul 2010 08:13 AM PDT

Vishwajit Rane

LIKE THE yuvraj Vishwajit Rane who is the only cabinet minister who enjoys X plus security so also institutions under the charge of the Health Minister are the most heavily protected structures in the state of Goa. Of the total of 900 odd security guards employed by various departments of the government of Goa, health institutions such as the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Goa Medical College Hospital (GMC), Institute of Psychiatry & Human Behaviour (IPHB) and Goa Dental College (GDC) alone account for over 600 of the total of 900 odd security personnel employed by the government of Goa through private security agencies. Indeed, in case of GMC, the ratio of security guards to doctors is 1:1 and the ratio of security guards to total employees is 1:3. If the security guards employed at other district hospitals and primary health centres are also taken into consideration, the number of security guards in securing the health minister's fiefdoms may well exceed 1000. In sharp contrast, all the other important departments of the government including the secretariat which houses the offices of the ministers and the Chief Secretary and other secretaries, the district courts, the Public Works Department (PWD) and the water resources department together, have less security guards than institutions controlled by the Yuvraj.

Courtesy: Goan Observer

Goa: Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrated with traditional fervour

Posted: 24 Jul 2010 07:40 AM PDT

Devotees of Vithal and Rakhumai celebrated Ashadhi Ekadashi with traditional fervour, enthusiasm and gaiety by performing religious rituals. The day began with devotes keeping a fast on this auspicious day and offering prayers to Lord Vithal, seeking blessings for a prosperous and happy life. Thousands of devotes from different parts of the state thronged to Vithalpur-Sanquelim. The temple premise was packed with devotees who chanted 'abhagas' of great Marathi saints.

Goa: Ashadhi Ekadashi

Speaker of the state assembly and the president of the Pandurang temple committee, Mr Pratpsing Rane performed the 'abhisheka' with his family. The Minister for Health, Mr Vishwajeet Rane, Maharani of Karnataka, Ms Sushiladevi Ghorpade, and Ms Vijayadevi Rane were present too. The members of the committee and mahjans also performed abhishekas.

After the conclusion of the abhishekas Mahapuja, the mahaarati was performed, followed by the tirth prasad. Women and students took part in a special dindi. A musical programme followed next, in which vocalist Raja Kale sang devotional songs. Kale presented bhakti geetas and abhangas on Lord Vithala. His vocal presentation mesmerised the huge gathering of devotees.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Goa NSUI anti-drug campaigner attacked

Posted: 23 Jul 2010 10:24 AM PDT

Unidentified people Friday assaulted a National Students Union of India (NSUI) leader who had complained to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi about the failure of the police to probe the police-politician-drug mafia nexus in Goa.

Sunil Kauthankar, the state president of the NSUI, was driving to Bicholim town, 25 km from here, when some men riding a motorcycle threw a huge stone at his car's windshield. The stone smashed the windshield and hit the student leader's face, lacerating it severely. "The incident occurred at 7.45 p.m. and the police had not reached the spot until 8.45 p.m.," Kauthankar's friend Anup Volvoikar, told IANS over the phone.

"We were on our way to an anti-drugs campaign, when the unknown persons travelling on a Pulsar bike hurled the stone near the driver's end of the windshield and it badly hit Sunil on his face," Anup said, adding that he was receiving treatment and was unable to speak. A senior police official said: "We have sent a police control van to investigate the incident. The injured person is currently under treatment."

Speaking to reporters on July 14, Kauthankar had said that the police were harassing him, a day after he had demanded a probe by a federal agency to the drug nexus, in which state Home Minister Ravi Naik's son Roy has been linked by an Israeli newspaper. Kauthankar had launched a signature campaign in Goa demanding a federal probe and on Monday had met Rahul Gandhi to inform him about the inability of the Congress-led coalition government to effectively probe the nexus.

Courtesy: sindhtoday

Goa’s floating casinos dumping sewage into river: Panel

Posted: 23 Jul 2010 09:45 AM PDT

A legislative panel has slammed the Goa government for allowing offshore casinos and cruise vessels to dump raw sewage into the Mandovi river that runs by this state capital. ’The committee is aghast by learning that the gaming vessels, casinos and boat cruises are releasing all kinds of waste into the Mandovi river thereby causing severe water pollution,’ the panel for ports’ administration said in its report tabled Friday during the monsoon session of the Goa assembly.

The committee, headed by Babu Kavlekar of the ruling Congress-led coalition, also asked the state government to initiate proper measures to dispose sewage, garbage and oil. ’The committee is surprised that the government did not take cognisance all these years of the waste that the vessels were releasing into the Mandovi river,’ the report said.

Seven offshore casinos and nearly a dozen pleasure cruise vessels ply on the Mandovi river. The report also lambasted the government for not taking any measures to prevent collisions of vessels in the Mandovi river, one of the state’s major waterbodies in which hundreds of barges ply transporting ore from the mining belt to the trans-shippers anchored portwards. The river also has a major fishing jetty, which is home to nearly 200 trawlers. ’The committee is disgusted to acknowledge that the government has not taken any measures to prevent accidents and collisions,’ the report said.

Courtesy: sify

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Goa Blog

Church accuses Goa of shielding drug peddlers

Posted: 22 Jul 2010 10:04 AM PDT

A Church official in Goa has accused the state government of failing to curb the drug trade and shielding the police-politician-drug mafia nexus. "The government is not honest and its intent to probe the nexus is lacking. The press has covered enough of how the men in uniform are indulged with the drug peddlers," Father Maverick Fernandes, executive secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), a wing of the Goa church, said. He alleged that the government was "busy shielding the nexus."

The Church remarks came after state Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, in the ongoing assembly session, did not pay heed to the demand of the opposition to hand over the probe in the issue to the CBI from the local police. Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar had alleged in the assembly on July20 that Kamat was shielding people linked to the drug trade. The CSJP had earlier in a statement on the World Drug Day had said that the politicians, police and traffickers collude to make drugs easily available.

It said, "bars and taverns are focal points of relaxation where soft drinks are laced with narcotics and other psychotropic substances are easily available. This behavior gnaws into the fabric of family life."

Courtesy: cathnewsindia

Ban rave parties, says Goa woman legislator

Posted: 22 Jul 2010 06:29 AM PDT

Rave parties should be completely banned in Goa and scantily-clad women should be dropped from government advertisements promoting tourism outside the state, Goa’s only woman legislator said on Thursday.

Speaking during a discussion in the assembly, Congress legislator Victoria Fernandes claimed that rave parties rampantly encouraged the use of drugs among tourists and local youngsters.

“Rave parties create a fearful atmosphere. Such night parties should be completely banned. They are having an evil impact on society,” she said.

Drug-laced rave parties are a common occurrence on several beaches along the state’s 105-km coastline, especially along beaches like Anjuna, Morjim, Arambol and Agonda.

The legislator from St Cruz legislative constituency, on the outskirts of Panaji, also criticised the Goa government’s tourism-related advertisements, which, she said, depicted women in bad light.

“The Goa government’s ads should not have scantily-clad women to attract tourists to the state. It is a dirty, insensitive trend which has to be stopped,” Fernandes said.

Courtesy:TOI

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Goa Blog

Misleading Ads Tarnishing Goa’s Image: BJP
14th century sculpture handed over to Goa Museum
Goa concerned over Mormugao port expansion
Goa Pradesh Congress Seva Dal celebrates 125th Anniversary of Indian National Congress

Misleading Ads Tarnishing Goa’s Image: BJP

Posted: 21 Jul 2010 07:04 AM PDT

Opposition BJP today expressed concern over increasing tagging of Goa as a sex destination through misleading advertisements on websites and local newspapers.

Damodar Naik (BJP), raising the issue in Assembly during Zero Hour, referred to numerous online advertisements and print campaigns offering female escorts in Goa.

“This is maligning the state’s image as a clean tourism destination.”

“They enrol young girls and college students as escorts. There are phone numbers mentioned in the advertisements,” he said and demanded the arrest of those behind such ads.

Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, in his reply, said Crime Branch initiated inquiry into these advertisements and found that they originated from Mumbai.

Responding to accusations of police inaction by the Opposition, Kamat said a probe had been initiated by the State CID in the matter.

“There are no Goans involved in it,” he asserted.

Kamat said the managements of the newspapers, who published such advertisements, were summoned and questioned by the police

Courtesy:Outlook

14th century sculpture handed over to Goa Museum

Posted: 21 Jul 2010 01:19 AM PDT

The 14thcentury sculpture of Mahishaasur Mardini was officially handed over to the Goa State Museum by the temple committee of Shri Keshav Devasthan of Lolye. The sculpture was found in the temple tank and was retrieved by the efforts of historian Mr Rohit Phalgaonkar and the temple committee. "I was told that a sculpture of goddess Durga existed in the temple tank of Shri Keshav Devasthan in Lolye. With the help of the committee members and villagers of Lolye the sculpture was recovered," says Mr Rohit Phalgaonkar. The sculpture possibly dates to the 14thcentury and is very unique as there are very few sculptures of Mahishaasur Mardini with two arms found in Goa Mr Phalgaonkar added. Most sculptures of the goddess found in Goa have four, six or eight arms he informed.

Goa Museum

The goddess is shown holding a 'trishul' in her right hand and slaying the demon under her feet. The director of the museum, Ms Radha Bhave along with four attendants Mr Rohidas Vir, Mr Yogesh Naik, Mr Kundan Naik and Mr Gauresh Naik, and Mr Rohit Phalgaonkar went to Lolye to acquire the sculpture. The handing over of this relic to the museum needs to be appreciated as such relics need to be preserved and conserved said Ms Radha Bhave.

The Keshav Devasthan Temple Committee has set a good example to others who have relics in their possession. She further said that such relics are important evidences of Goan History and should be conserved in the Museum for posterity. It also helps to document the history of the village in official records she stated.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Goa concerned over Mormugao port expansion

Posted: 21 Jul 2010 01:16 AM PDT

The Goa Government has written to the Centre opposing the expansion plans of the south Goa-based major port Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) on the grounds that the expansion will affect the environment. Moreover, the Government apprehends that it would result in dislocation of the local communities and lead to influx of migrants and creation of slums.

In a written answer to a question tabled by Mr Milind Naik of the Bharatiya Janata Party on the first day of the 15-day monsoon session of the State Assembly on Monday, the Goa Minister for Captain of Ports, Mr Nilkant Halankar, has also stated that the Government fears ecological problems to the Zuari water front in south Goa and other land and water areas.

The Government further said that the expansion plan is not possible due to the limited availability of land with MPT and the State Government.

Courtesy: logisticsweek

Goa Pradesh Congress Seva Dal celebrates 125th Anniversary of Indian National Congress

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 09:47 AM PDT

Goa Pradesh Congress Seva Dal organised a 1st General Medical Camp at Sirvodem - Margao Block on 18th July 2010 on eve of 125th Anniversary of Indian National Congress Foundation which was inaugurated by Shri. Digambar Kamat, Eminent doctors of Hospicio Hospital headed by Dr. Nachinolkar and team, Nurses Dr. Geeta Kakodkar and team of Urban Health Center Margao with nurses. The camp was well organized, 358 patients had been checked, 160 blood test done, 15 E.C.G. test conducted and free medicines were given to all patients. We shall organize about 6 camps in Goa; This is the first camp started in Chief Minister constituency.

Goa: Medical camp

Goa: General Medical Camp

Monday, July 19, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa govt forming so many panels are uncalled for: Opposition
No bar to Facebook in Goa prison
NSUI apprises Rahul Gandhi about drug nexus case in Goa

Goa govt forming so many panels are uncalled for: Opposition

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 07:43 AM PDT

Goa government is forming committees at an average of one a day to study various issues raised on different platforms, the Opposition pointed out on Monday. The record placed on the floor of the House reveals that since 2007, the state government has appointed 1,423 committees of which nearly half have not even met. Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar questioned the wisdom of having so many committees, “when they either don’t meet or don’t decide on the issues.”

He said that the Chief Minister himself is heading 25 committees. The issue was raised during monsoon session, which began on Monday at Porvorim, near Panaji. Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said that the senior officials can be contacted, if committees under them does not function.

BJP legislator Fransic D'Souza pointed out that there are several committees which are headed by Chief Secretary leaving him no time for his other administrative assignments.

Courtesy: hindustantimes

No bar to Facebook in Goa prison

Posted: 19 Jul 2010 07:29 AM PDT

Now prison bar is not the limit for the Israeli drug dealer David Driham alias Dudu for updating Facebook. Dudu, who was arrested for possessing a narcotics cocktail, had been updating his friends using Facebook mobile from behind prison bars.

Dudu had also uploaded several photos of his Valentine’s Day celebration with his fiance, which was incidentally a few days before his arrest. Accessing the internet or mobile phones is against prison regulations. The drug dealer is presently lodged in the Aguada Central jail, 12 km from Panaji.

When asked how an under trial could update his Facebook wall via mobile web when lodged in a prison cell, District prison officials rejected to comment. “The assembly session is on. We cannot say anything on the issue,” said a prison official.

Courtesy: oneindia

NSUI apprises Rahul Gandhi about drug nexus case in Goa

Posted: 18 Jul 2010 09:55 AM PDT

Goa unit of National Students' Union of India (NSUI) which has launched a campaign demanding handing over of police and drug peddler nexus case to CBI has apprised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about the menace. ”We apprised our leader Rahul Gandhi about the situation in the state and explained why we took up the signature campaign demanding handing over the enquiry on the nexus to the CBI.

He was shocked to know the facts behind the drug nexus,” Sunil Kawthankar, chief of Goa unit of NSUI told reporters today. The NSUI Goa chief met Rahul Gnadhi yesterday in Delhi at the National Executive meeting of the students’ body. ”Rahul Gandhi has taken the entire issue very seriously,” he said.

The NSUI chief said that he has full faith that Goa chief minister Digamber kamat would hand over the probe to CBI. ”Kamat has been working for welfare of the state.We have full faith that he will hand over enquiry to CBI,” he added. Seven policemen were arrested after Swedish Model Lucky Farmhouse had shot confession of her drug peddler boy-friend on spy cam in which he had bragged about his links with policemen.

Courtesy: dnaindia

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Goa Blog

Sesa Goa to invest USD 500 million for expansion
Goa: Parrikar accuses CM of dilly-dallying on handing of drugs case to CBI
Greyhound academy to train Goa police team

Sesa Goa to invest USD 500 million for expansion

Posted: 17 Jul 2010 08:45 AM PDT

Sesa Goa Ltd proposes to invest about USD 500 million in expanding its mining and logistics infrastructure to support its aggressive growth plans as it aims to more than double its annual iron ore output to 50 million tonnes over the next three years.

Mr Prasun K Mukherjee CEO and MD said that such a large increase in production and transportation of iron ore over a short span of time will need aggressive investments and concerted efforts not only at the mines, but also in developing the associated logistics infrastructure.

Mr Mukherjee told shareholders in the company’s latest annual report that "The investments would be in machinery including improved processing plants and higher capacity heavy earth moving equipment. On the logistics front, this includes developing access roads, port handling facilities, railway siding and the barge fleet."

Mr Mukherjee said that Sesa ended 2009-10 with a total consolidated production of 21.4 million tonnes to become the 13 {+t} {+h} largest iron ore producer in the world. Sesa Goa aims to be the world’s fourth largest iron ore producer in the world by 2012-13 with an annual production of 50 million tonne.

Mr Mukherjee further said that "Sesa Goa believes that an annual production of 50 million tonnes will give it the right mix of global scale with the positioning of low cost producer with flexible operations."

Sesa believes that significant part of its growth would come from acquisitions going forward and maintained a healthy level of cash and cash equivalent at INR 6,952 crore to drive its inorganic growth strategy.

Mr Mukherjee said that "Dempo has been the first major acquisition and the success of the post-merger fit has given us the confidence to pursue the acquisition route for growth in the coming years."

Courtesy:Steelguru

Goa: Parrikar accuses CM of dilly-dallying on handing of drugs case to CBI

Posted: 17 Jul 2010 07:01 AM PDT

The Leader of Opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar has accused the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, and the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik, of sitting over the file pertaining to handing over the investigation in the police-drug dealers' nexus case to Central Bureau of Investigation. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Mr Parrikar, however, said that his party had not blamed the Home Minister in the case but his son, Mr Roy Naik, adding that in case the case was handed over to the CBI for probe then the BJP would not press for removal of Mr Naik as Home Minister.

Digambar Kamat's Residence

He further said that if the ruling side was not involved in wrong doings then it need not worry about the probe by the CBI and that it was only the opposition that had to be wary of misuse of the central investigation agency by the ruling party. He went on to accuse the criminal investigation department of “fixing” the drug cases. Mr Parrikar said that his party would inaugurate the newly constructed district hospital building if the government failed to open it.

He said that the hospital building has remained unused for the last two and half years since its construction work was completed, at a cost of Rs 45 crore. Meanwhile, at a meeting at Margao on Friday, the BJP youth wing chief, Mr Rupesh Mahatme, in the presence of Mr Sidanath Buyao, said that the Health Minster was not aware of anything that was going on in Hospicio as well as urban health centres and the Chief Minister himself had to take interest in getting the work at Hospicio done as well keep a check on urban health centres like the one at Canacona.

Mr Mahatme further accused him of only being interested in privatisation of hospitals for vested reasons. ”If the CM does everything then why is the Health Minister needed?” he asked. He also alleged that there were a lot of staff at the Hospicio from Valpoi and “their mentality was that they are the Health Ministers people,” so were generally not people-friendly.

“We condemn this,” he asserted, arguing that the staff there were not bothered about the patients and despite the Chief Minister's personal assurances nothing had improved. Mr Mahatme also reiterated the BJP's demand for withdrawal of the City Development Plan and threatened to launch an agitation if it was not.

“What the plan is the engineers themselves did no know. And before any new CDP plan is brought, training should be given to engineers,” he said. Meanwhile, a NGO, the Citizens Welfare Committee has hailed the the Chief Minister and Margao MLA, Mr Digambar Kamat's promise to withdraw the CDP 2031 and criticised the CDP's plan of freezing of development in the heart of the city as “not justified.”

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Greyhound academy to train Goa police team

Posted: 17 Jul 2010 06:48 AM PDT

Andhra Pradesh’s anti-Maoist force, Greyhounds will train 45 Goa policemen to tackle internal security scenarios and carry out anti-terror operations, police said on Saturday. Deputy inspector general R.S. Yadav said the Goa policemen would receive their training at Himatsagar, an Andhra Pradesh-based Greyhound training academy.

“Goa is not really affected by Maoism. But the training by Greyhounds will help us to use the force for internal security purposes and to carry out anti-terror operations,” Yadav said. ”Greyhounds are the best in this job. We are preparing our force for anti-terrorism operations,” Yadav added.

Courtesy: TOI